All posts by Author Emma Palova

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Inspiration from the Gulf 2023

Feb. 24 Lenten Friday

During Lent, I like to start my day with Lenten readings and meditation no matter where I am. Most of them focus on the ancient disciplines of Lent- fasting, almsgiving and prayer.

I was surprised to see two young pastors from the Epiphany Cathedral in Venice at Croissant & Co., French patisserie in downtown. Well, I know I shouldn’t have been there either and none of us should be blasting to the world that we’re fasting each in our own way with ashes on our forehead.

It was a loud Friday on the beach with the northern wind howling that lifted the waves sending them crashing onto the shore. Behind my back, private jets were landing and taking off, others starting their descent over the Gulf of Mexico.

A waiter at the sandbar handed me a Margarita on the rocks with “Here you go, Love.”

To be continued

Notes from the beach

Feb. 23, 2023 1:29 pm Thursday, Venice Beach

I am indulging in the sounds of the beach: Russian to the right, laughter to the right, kids straight up front and the crashing waves as far as I can see. The sun is warming my legs while my feet dig deep into the hot sand. It’s 82F and the sun is high above my head.

Lemonade Razzonade Bait Bucket Margarita

My backpack has everything I need: notepad and pens, suntan lotion, water, cash for a Blue Bait Margarita and magazines about living in Paradise.

I cannot omit the price this Paradise had to pay during hurricane Ian in September. Crews are still fixing the roofs and some signs have not been replaced. Otherwise you would not believe a hurricane blew through; just south of town.

Dad Vaclav and mom Ella

We spent a great morning on the town starting with yoga with Elin on the beach to the sounds of Ukulele Thursdays. We took a walk on Miami Street in search of the Greek restaurant Bromdon. We browsed through the Island View Boutique with beautiful blings and resort wear. Hasta La Vista.

Mom Ella is doing much better today after her surgery. With strength she’s also getting back her attitude, just a tad.

I have to pick up on chapter Mara and the Revelation of the Great Singapore secret in the sequel to The Lost Town. More later.

I am meeting with Maple later today and mixing up some cocktail recipes.

Well, the meeting with Maple didn’t happen, but I met Pat, the board secretary instead. YAY!

To top off this incredible productive day, I managed to pop into Pages Promotions Winter Book Festival. I am still clueless as to who murdered author Andrew Allen Smith who stole the Sardonic Manuscript, but did he really or was he just framed?

To be continued…,

Copyright (c) 2023. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

Ash Wednesday on the Beach

Venice Beach, Feb. 22, 2023 3:27 pm

I think this is the first time I’ve ever worked on a book on the beach. I’ve written on beaches before, but never a contiguous piece of an actual manuscript, the sequel to Shifting Sands: The Lost Town.

“What’s lost can be found even on a beach or underneath the singing sands.”

Scuba Divers

It’s very fitting to write the sequel on the beach amidst the little dunes with the wind blowing from the south. The life saving wind is cooling down the air temperature that reached 82 F. It’s 90F in Orlando. I am savoring the warmth of these moments as a major winter storm is whipping the Midwest.

It’s been quite an experiment that I started aboard the Allegiant two- hour flight to Punta Gorda, FL to see if can pick up writing whenever or wherever I leave off. So far it has been working out despite all the beach distractions.

The Pavilion

Epiphany Church

Yes, there has been plenty of distractions from the posted Red Tide caused by red algae, private jets taking off behind my back, to the falling umbrella, cute divers with oxygen tanks, a screaming kid and the glistening waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Then yesterday I broke my eyeglasses, forgot my card and much more.

After mom’s surgery this morning, a cup of coffee and two cups of Earl Grey, I regained some composure still undecided whether I should go for the Ashes in the morning by myself, or wait the outcome of the surgery. Mom was recovering well so I went for the gold- that is what I call going to the beach.

The improvement since yesterday was remarkable; no more coughing caused by the Red Tide or smell from the dead fish washed ashore.

“It comes and goes,” mom said about the unwelcome visitor to the Florida beaches. Regardless, the Red Tide the beaches of Venice are busy with tourists and snowbirds. Yoga on the Beach with Elin in the mornings enjoys around 200 yogis of all ages.

But back to the manuscript. I am about five to six chapters away from the end. Do I know the ending? I don’t and I like it that way as it keeps me on the edge, and probably preventing me from sleeping too.

What are the major forces in the story now? Well, the secrets of Singapore remain covered with sand. How will they emerge? Who will help uncover them? That remains unknown.

To be continued…

Copyright (c) 2023. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

Valentine’s Day walk in West Michigan

Mid-Michigan Women’s Expo Feb. 10 – Feb. 12

Join us for the 23rd annual Mid-Michigan Women’s Expo in Lansing at the Lansing Center, 333 E. Michigan Ave. next weekend including Friday.

Michigan Authors representing most genres will be among the 300 exhibitors. They are Jean Davis, Emma Palova, Loraine J. Hudson, Kristine Brickey, Sylvia Hubbard, Norma Lewis, Mikel Classen, Melanie Hooyenga, Rod Sadler, Julie Nelson, Rhonda Accardo, and Andrew Smith.

This is a fun day out geared toward ladies and their families or friends. There are lots of demonstrations, samples, activities, and opportunities to support local businesses and artists. There’s even a bar so you can enjoy a beverage or two while you shop. Michigan Authors has been a feature of the Mid-Michigan Women’s Expo for several years.

” We enjoy meeting new and returning readers and sharing our stories with them,” said author Jean Davis.

With this year’s array of twelve authors, we will have a wide selection of books, including books for children and young adults as well as romance, non-fiction, Michigan-related, fantasy, thrillers, suspense, true crime, science fiction, and more.

Stay tuned for a special podcast episode about the Expo experience on @For the Love of Books Podcast with host author Emma Palova and guest author organizer Jean Davis next week on your favorite podcasting app.

https://emmapalova123.podbean.com/

We will be located in booth 652-656. Show hours are Friday & Sat. 10-6 and Sunday 11-4.

Parking is available under and behind the expo center for a fee. Recommended vendor parking is North Grand Parking Ramp (public parking) 3rd level which is connected to the expo center by an enclosed pedestrian walkway.


Saluting Nurses, Doctors, Military, Police, Fire and Rescue –
FREE admission all weekend to Mid-Michigan Women’s Expo!
Your Health, Your Home, Your Style, Shopping and Fun!
Lansing, Michigan, January 10, 2023 –The Mid-Michigan Women’s Expo announced its 2023 date, a full weekend
that will inspire personal health, home, and style, giving women something to feel good about.
The 23
rd annual event will be held the weekend of February 10-12 at the Lansing Center.
The three-day expo is the largest single consumer event for women in Mid-Michigan and will feature hundreds of
women-focused businesses with products, services and demonstrations that aim to provide a weekend of
enjoyment, education, and entertainment for women of all ages.
First 1000 attendees on Saturday will receive a tote bag compliments of Capital Area District Libraries. Receive
your bag directly inside the door at their booth!
This year’s event will offer FREE admission to Nurses, Doctors, Military, Police, Fire and Rescue that show
valid ID at the Box Office. Visit the Lansing Center Box Office during show hours and show ID card to receive one
free admission.
“We wanted to take a moment to salute and thank those that help others in our community. We are so grateful for
the work they do and appreciate their service,” says Pam Glass, President of Kohler Expos, Inc.
EXPO HIGHLIGHTS this year include Interactive Areas spread throughout the expo, which are designed to entertain
and enhance the patron experience. A few of the Interactive Areas include:

  • Fashion Boutiques – try on and give yourself a new look
  • Make-n-Take Painting Workshops – live step-by-step painting on a Canvas, Mason Jar,
    Planter Stake, Puzzle Kits, and Wine Glasses
  • Hair Styling and Hair Tricks
  • Michigan Authors – meet and greet and book signings
  • Interactive Rowing Demonstrations
  • Food Sampling! Dips, Soup, Cookies, Bread, Pickles, Jerky, Sausage, Honey, Tea and more
  • Community Blood Drive – all hours of the expo
  • IV Hydration and Vitamin Infusions onsite
  • Bra Fittings and Consultation
  • Quartz Crystal Singing Bowls for relaxation
  • T-Mobile Photo Booth – strike a pose!
  • Skincare and Beauty – try the latest lotion, bath products, and oils
  • Shop and explore hundreds of pop-up shops!
    NEW! DOOR PRIZES – patrons will sign up at the entrance for a chance to win daily door prizes. Winners will be
    announced onsite to take home their prize.
    MID-MICHIGAN WOMEN’S EXPO
    February 10-12, 2023
    Hours: Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
    Lansing Center – Lansing MI
    http://www.KohlerExpo.com
    WLNS-TV continues to be a media sponsor for the upcoming expo, providing exclusive coverage of the event
    throughout the weekend. Visit them onsite to take selfies with on-air talent at the event.

Mid-Michigan Women’s Expo, Lansing on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/events/829424705148057/830824401674754?active_tab=about

Copyright (c) 2023 Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.

The Case of the Missing Manuscript

Join us this evening, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. for fun and adventure with authors Dana Storino and Emma Palova for Day 4 in the Winter Virtual Festival by Pages Promotions, LLC. Help us solve the mystery of the missing manuscript in a well-designed setting, sign up each evening to listen to authors’ readings through Feb. 28.

Be a witness as the mystery unravels.

Register on Zoom prior to 6:45 p.m. for a chance to win a free book on the Spinny Wheel of Happiness. In the box on the registration form, fill out that Emma Palova invited you.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMuf-mprD0qGNd3ZnWXM7NfcGgxRaukNn78

Copyright (c) 2023. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.